Changes

The time of cutting and clamping the umbilical cord is crucial for the health of the newborn. In [[Ayurveda]], cutting of the umbilical cord is recommended only after the baby become stable in the external environment. [A.Hr.Uttara Sthana 1/5-6] World Health Organization recommends delayed umbilical cord clamping i.e., at least one minute after birth for better health and nutritional outcomes of the mother as well as the baby.  

The time of cutting and clamping the umbilical cord is crucial for the health of the newborn. In [[Ayurveda]], cutting of the umbilical cord is recommended only after the baby become stable in the external environment. [A.Hr.Uttara Sthana 1/5-6] World Health Organization recommends delayed umbilical cord clamping i.e., at least one minute after birth for better health and nutritional outcomes of the mother as well as the baby.  

   

   

The cord is cut at a point 16 cm (eight angulas) away from the umbilicus. The cord is held gently and firmly on both sides of the point and carefully cut using scissors (ardhadhara) made up of gold, silver, iron, or similar metals. The proximal end of the cut umbilical cord is tied with a thread, and the other end of the thread should be tied loosely around the neck of the child. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]8/44] Tying a knot on the cord using a thread before cutting, and then attaching it to the neck after cutting the cord, is also desirable.[Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/12], [A.Hr.Uttara Sthana 1/5-6] Now a days, umbilical cord clamp is used for this purpose.  

The cord is cut at a point 16 cm (eight angulas) away from the umbilicus. The cord is held gently and firmly on both sides of the point and carefully cut using scissors (ardhadhara) made up of gold, silver, iron, or similar metals. The proximal end of the cut umbilical cord is tied with a thread, and the other end of the thread should be tied loosely around the neck of the child. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/44] Tying a knot on the cord using a thread before cutting, and then attaching it to the neck after cutting the cord, is also desirable.[Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 10/12], [A.Hr.Uttara Sthana 1/5-6] Now a days, umbilical cord clamp is used for this purpose.  

In modern obstetrical practices, early clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord was a practiced as a part of active management of third stage of labour. But recent studies suggest that it may be harmful to the baby. Delayed clamping helps in reducing incidence of anaemia, intraventricular haemorrhage, and the need for transfusion for hypovolaemia and anaemia,  except in the case of growth restricted babies who are already at risk of hypoxia induced polycythaemia.

In modern obstetrical practices, early clamping and cutting of the umbilical cord was a practiced as a part of active management of third stage of labour. But recent studies suggest that it may be harmful to the baby. Delayed clamping helps in reducing incidence of anaemia, intraventricular haemorrhage, and the need for transfusion for hypovolaemia and anaemia,  except in the case of growth restricted babies who are already at risk of hypoxia induced polycythaemia.